New ponds for Ashford
Six ponds and two seasonal wet areas have been created on the edge of Park
Farm in the South of Ashford. Ashford Borough Council has supported and
encouraged the development of the wildlife ponds and one recreational pond
for dogs. The site, open to all walkers can be traversed using the
numerous public footpaths. Tremendous
oaks mark the boundaries and sheep graze a large proportion of the site
creating a vital link to Ashford’s history as a farming market town.
The ponds, designed and project managed by the Kentish Stour Countryside
Partnership have been located on naturally low-lying areas of ground.
Kentish Stour Countryside volunteers have accelerated the establishment of
wildflowers at one of the ponds by planting native aquatic flowers such as
ragged robin, marsh marigold, water plantain, ladies smock, purple
loosestrife and flag iris. The aquatic plants will gradually cross the
site as seeds are windblown or carried by animal fur or bird droppings.
Creation of such valuable habitats in our open green-spaces is integral to
encouraging outdoor living, increasing environmental knowledge and
enhancing landscape value.
The work has been part funded by the KSCPs Landscape
and Nature for all project supported by the European Regional Development
Fund Interreg IV programme.
If you would like to find out more about the pond project, volunteering or
would like to suggest some environmental work that you would like to do in
your area please contact the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership on
01233 813307 or email debbie.adams@kent.gov.uk.
